AMLODIPINE BESILATE

Do not give amlodipine to patients with severe hypotension (extremely low blood pressure), shock (including cardiogenic shock), obstruction of the outflow tract of the left ventricle (e.g. aortic stenosis), and hemodynamically unstable heart failure after acute myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Dizziness, lightheadedness, swelling ankles/feet, or flushing may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Precautions

Before taking amlodipine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (such as nisoldipine, nifedipine) or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain structural heart problem (aortic stenosis), very low blood pressure, liver disease.

Interactions

Plasma concentrations may be elevated with CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. azole antifungals, ritonavir). Concomitant therapy with simvastatin may increase risk of myopathy (muscle disease) including rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle). May increase ciclosporin plasma levels and conivaptan.

Symptoms of overdose include marked hypotension and tachycardia (fast heartbeat). If overdose is suspected, bring the victim to the hospital immediately.

Available brands:

• Actimed Amlodipine (Ind-Swift)
• Ambesyl (Sandoz)
• Amlife (Therapharma)
• Derox (Hovid)
• Norvasc (Pfizer)